Potential Therapeutic Effects of L-Carnitine in COVID19: Molecular Insights

Abstract

Currently, COVID19 has been converted to a catastrophic pandemic worldwide. SARS-CoV 2 virus targets the ACE2 receptor in the human cells and triggers a chain of deleterious events. Despite the high morbidity, there is not yet an efficient treatment for this infection. In this review, some protective aspects of L.Carnitine (LC) have been addressed. In COVID19, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is upregulated, and the NF-κB pathway is overexpressed. Moreover, a progressive cytokine storm is established. In all of these pathogenic processes, LC could play a modifier role to improve the condition. LC could be beneficial against the antioxidant effects of Angiotensin II by inhibition of NF-κB and down-regulation of NOX1 and NOX2. An anti-apoptotic and genome-stabilizer function has been determined for LC through inhibition of pro-apoptotic caspases and activation of PARP-1. LC is an immunomodulator that downregulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL 6, and IL-1 which could quench the cytokine storm. LC also can act as a protective agent against the cardiotoxicity caused in COVID19 because of the disturbance in the ACE2 mediated signaling pathway, cytokine storm, pulmonary dysfunction, and drug side-effects. Given the potential protective effects of LC, it is suggested as a supportive and therapeutic option in the patients with coronavirus infection.